What Size Tankless Water Heater Do I Need for My Household?
Tankless water heaters offer you the ultimate convenience of having an endless supply of hot water for your showers and household cleaning tasks. As a homeowner in Melbourne, you’re likely excited about having the opportunity to upgrade your lifestyle with your upcoming tankless water heater installation.
Using this guide can help you work with our friendly plumber to choose the right size tankless water heater to meet your household’s needs.
Why the Size of a Hot Water Heater Matters
Tankless water heater sizing matters for several reasons, including ensuring that you have access to a consistent hot water supply when you use multiple fixtures. In a busy home, you might find that you need to run the dishwasher at the same time someone is taking a shower.
Making sure to pick the right size for your Melbourne tankless water heater installation helps you feel confident that the new unit will keep up with an increasing demand. Plus, you’ll be happy you did your due diligence when you achieve better energy efficiency with your new hot water heater.
Determine Your Peak Hot Water Demand
The first step to pick out a tankless water heater for home use is to determine your household’s typical peak hot water demand. You can use this sample guide of gallons per minute that common fixtures use to begin preparing to work with our Melbourne Benjamin Franklin Plumbing team.
- Bathroom sink: 0.5 – 1.0 GPM
- Shower: 2.0 – 2.5 GPM
- Kitchen sink: 1.0 – 1.5 GPM
- Washing machine: 1.5 – 2.0 GPM •Dishwasher: 1.0 – 1.5 GPM
To get a general idea of your home’s peak demand for hot water, simply add up the GPM of each fixture that you could realistically see running at the same time. Then, move on to the next step.
Factor In the Temperature Rise
The temperature rise is a simple calculation that involves subtracting the inlet water temperature from the preferred output water temperature. For instance, a home with an inlet water temperature of around 60 degrees Fahrenheit that prefers an output of 110 degrees Fahrenheit has a temperature rise of 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
With these numbers in mind, our plumbers can then perform more complicated calculations to ensure that the tankless water heater flow rate meets your needs.
Choose Between Gas and Electric Models
When you look for a water heater, you’ll also need to make a decision on whether you prefer a gas or electric model. While some homeowners prefer using the existing plumbing, our local Melbourne plumbers can often install new lines that allow you to choose your preferred option.
Both gas and electric water heaters offer specific benefits and potential drawbacks that you’ll want to consider as you move forward with planning for the installation. Keep in mind that our plumbers are always available to help answer your questions regarding which one is best for your home.
Gas Tankless Water Heaters
These water heaters are powered by natural gas or propane. They have the advantage of being more powerful than electric models, which means they’ll heat up large volumes of water relatively fast. You may prefer this type when you have a large family or host guests in a rental property.
Electric Tankless Water Heaters
Electric tankless water heaters are well-known in the plumbing industry for being easy to install and operate. This is especially true for homes that lack easy access to gas. Plus, these models are usually smaller and perfect for indoor installations.
Match Your Household Size
You’ll also want to consider the number of people who live in your home when you consider the tankless water heater capacity you need. This handy chart helps you get a better idea of what size water heater to choose.
- 1 to 2 people: 30 to 40 gallons
- 2 to 3 people: 40 to 50 gallons
- 3 to 4 people: 50 to 60 gallons
- 5 or more people: 60 to 80 gallons
Get Professional Sizing and Installation
When you’re still wondering what size tankless water heater do I need, it helps to know that you don’t have to make this decision alone. Our plumbers know all the ins and outs of water heater selection. With a few simple questions, they can help you identify your home’s hot water needs and choose the perfect size. Especially if you are switching from a tank to a tankless water heater.
Working with our professional contractors also eliminates the hassle of performing a water heater installation. Our licensed plumbers undergo education and training opportunities that allow them to work with electric and gas lines safely. They can also install your new water heater more efficiently due to their years of experience.
Bonus Tip: Think Long-Term
Tankless water heaters can last 15 to 20 years or longer. If you plan to make changes to your household’s size or peak demand, then let our plumber know. They can guide you to the right size water heater for a growing family based on your plans. Choosing a water heater that will suit your needs for years into the future helps you maximize your ROI.
Enjoy Endless Hot Water With Expert Installation
Most water heater installations can be done in a single day, once we know which size and model you need. Our expert installation services also come with a guarantee on our work that gives you more confidence as you enjoy your new endless water supply.
Ready to Upgrade Your Home’s Hot Water System?
Does the prospect of being able to shower in hot water for as long as your heart desires sound great? Or, perhaps you are ready to be able to wash your laundry and dishes in hot water at the same time. Either way, we encourage you to reach out to our Melbourne Benjamin Franklin Plumbing team today.
As we like to say, if there is ever any delay, it’s you we pay. There is no time like the present to get your new water heater installed and begin enjoying the luxury of having a constant supply of hot water.